Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 07 November 2012 - The Year of Developing a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, November 7, 2012   Throughout his life, Shakyamuni encouraged people with his clear, sonorous voice. A Buddhist text describes how Shakyamuni warmheartedly welcomed everyone he met, expressing his joy at seeing them. He showed affection, joy and gentleness in all his interactions. He greeted everyone with courtesy and respect. He never scowled or grimaced. And to put others at ease and encourage them to speak up, Shakyamuni would always break the ice by initiating the conversation. It was the power of Shakyamuni's eloquence and sincerity that made it possible for Buddhism to gain wide acceptance among the people of his time.     From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Wednesday, November 7, 2012   I knew from the outset that, if I set aside my fears and declared things exactly as they are, I would be sentenced to death. And even if I should escape the death penalty, I would surely be condemned to exile. So great is the debt of gratitude I owe the Buddha, however, that I have not let others intimidate me, but have spoken out.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 529 Letter to the Lay Priest Ichinosawa Written to the wife of the lay priest Ichinosawa on May 8, 1275     Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, November 7, 2012   True ease and comfort are not found in a quiet, uneventful life. This may sound paradoxical, but hardships bring about ease and comfort. For only by establishing strong individual lives capable of boldly challenging difficult obstacles can we find true "peace and security in this lifetime," as the Lotus Sutra says.     Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1958) p. 401   Got up early in the morning.  Did the five prayers of morning gongyo and chanted to my heart's content. Expressed my deep appreciation for their hospitality. … Took a 3:20 train back to Kyoto.  Attended a Kyoto leaders meeting. In contrast to those who joyfully gathered at the civic auditorium, I lacked spirit, due to exhaustion.  Led a Gakkai song for the first time in a while.